PDP Classic Wood Hoop Drums

100
| APRIL 2016 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
and we can begin the process of tensioning.
While ultra-smooth, the fi ne threads of the
True Pitch bolts take quite a few turns
before they begin to take up the slack.
However, the various dampening measures
undoubtedly help achieve a reasonable
sound quickly and without any fuss –
basically involving turning the bolts until
the last crease smooths away.
However, it’s not until the rods are
cranked two or three turns further that the
drum begins to show its true colours –
producing a thunderous stage-shaking
shudder. It then takes quite a few seconds
after each hit before the drum (and the
surrounding area), fi nally stops quivering.
As expected, the pedal response is not quite
so keen, due to a restrained rebound from
such a large diameter head. Increasing the
tension may help a little, but it will never be
as responsive as a smaller bass drum.
With the rack tom up and onto its
snare-type stand, it is elevated enough to
lift it above the side of the bass drum but
also to position it ergonomically. The maple
rims of both toms appear to be a little higher
than the usual metal hoops. This means
being able to position each tom (to help
Each of these has a standard 7-ply
construction with the subtle maple grain
of the inner and outer plies running
horizontally.
Currently, there are two matte-themed
fi nishes available; as in the review shell pack,
a walnut stain on the outer sides of the
maple hoops and a natural fi nish shell
exterior, or a walnut stained shell with a
natural maple hoop. I think the latter has
the slight edge in the retro stakes, but, as
always, it’s purely down to personal taste.
Hands On
In a vain attempt at reducing packaging,
the bass drum arrives in a box with the
heads, hoops and claws removed – it still
remains a pretty hefty box though! The
heads supplied are white coated Chinese-
made Remos with inbuilt perimeter
dampening. Also included is the familiar
dog-bone shaped dampening pillow.
Velcro strips on the pillow allow it to be
positioned on the base of the interior of
the drum while also giving some degree
of adjustment.
Once we’ve given the bass drum interior
a once over, the heads/cushion are fi tted
VERDICT: DW don’t currently have a
wooden hooped drum (apart from a
limited edition snare) – this could be
the only way of owning a very close
relative. So this set is a great sounding
cost-effective alternative to DW’s
fl agship drum range.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
Also try…
1
NATAL ARCADIA
We say: “ The Arcadia
series sets a stunning
new standard for
entry-to-mid-range
kits. ”
2
MAPEX SATURN V
We say: “ A fantastic
all-rounder kit which is
equally happy on stage
or in the studio – on a
jazz gig or playing rock.”
Are there plans to introduce
an additional range of sizes
with wooden hoops?
“The sizes will continue to be
limited – an 8" wood hoop tom
probably doesn’t make a lot of sense. We
offered larger bass drums and traditional sizes
out of the gate because it seemed logical to
most players.”
What hardware would you recommend with
this particular shell pack… I was thinking
about DW’s fl ush base 6000 Series?
“DW 6000 Series hardware is a perfect
complement. Also check out the new 6000
Ultralight hardware.”
What effect do the wooden hoops have on
the overall sound?
“It’s ‘woodsier’ with a more organic tone –
decidedly drier and more retro-sounding.”
How do the hoops stand up to the wear
from sticks?
“They wear well – we’ve had the wood hoop
PDP snares out for a year prior and have
literally zero issues.”
Scott Donnell
Vice-President of Marketing
at Drum Workshop
They say…
WHAT THE DRUMS LACK IN ATTACK,
THIS IS MORE THAN COMPENSATED
FOR WITH THEIR RICH, SWEET, MAPLE
WOODY TONE – EXACTLY AS INTENDED
avoid too many collisions with the stick
shoulders), all the more important.
After a little fresh-out-of-the-box tuning
and slight tom tweaks, we are ready to roll
– these hoops appear impressively rigid and
the generous quantity of lugs help make
tuning a real pleasure. The Chinese-made
single-ply Ambassadors help provide us
with a completely open sound. These
certainly assist the toms to sustain and
sing out proudly. The fl oor tom especially
has a lengthy, smooth overtone which I am
sure will help with projection.
The hoops too appear to be doing their
job in helping to keep the drums within
their woody vintage remit. And, it’s worth
noting that even though I’ve been playing
the kit for several hours, there is no evidence
that my 5Bs have been anywhere near them.
What the drums lack in attack, this is more
than compensated for with their rich, sweet,
maple, woody tone – exactly as intended.
LUGS
Concept Series has
‘retro inspired’
double-turret tube lugs
SHELLS
Drum s have beautifully sanded
interiors, well-engineered metal
components and shells appear
to be perfectly rounded
RHY253.gear_pdp.indd 100 25/02/2016 15:25